Parch-fest 2013 is officially underway -- everyone's skin is suddenly looking dull and dry. (I mean, I literally JUST wrote about this two-ingredient, DIY moisturizing mask you guys should def try.) But with the recent emergence of face oils on the market, many of my BFFs keep asking me which will moisturize their mug more: these new-fangled oils, or a traditional, thick face cream? Some say they break out from the latter, and yet won't even think about trying an oil, even though they supposedly WON'T make you break out.

To settle the battle, I spoke to David A. Colbert, M.D., an awesome derm in NYC, to get the answer -- and it's shockingly simple.

If you are parched, reach for an oil, since oils keep skin from drying out in the first place -- because of something called "trans-epidermal water loss" -- way better than creams. Plus, Dr. Colbert says facial oils are also a fantastic base for makeup because they plump fine lines, even texture and make skin extra dewy.

The trick with picking a face oil, though, is to choose something light -- then layer it under your favorite lotion. Look for formulas with ingredients like marula oil, yangu oil, passion fruit oil or argan oil -- all of which happen to be in Dr. Colbert's own formula, Illumio Face Oil, which is amazing, but a pricey. If you're on a budget, pick up the oils in their pure form from a natural food store. Or, do what I do and pick up a jar of coconut oil, which is $10 and lasts like, forever.

Oh and if you have combo skin, use oil on the dryer parts of your face, then pat a hydrating serum onto the other areas. Leaving the oily parts un-hydrated doesn't do you any favors, but it's not a great idea to load them up with more oil.